Springbok Women Sevens go down in Bowl Final
The Springbok Women Sevens’ hopes of a Bowl Final victory in the Amsterdam IRB Women’s Sevens World Series were dashed on Saturday by hosts, Netherlands, who delivered a strong performance in front of their passionate supporters to finish their campaign on a high.
The Springbok Women Sevens bounced back strongly on Saturday from a disappointing start to the tournament in which they suffered defeats against pool contenders Russia, Australia and France, by sticking to their structures to topple Spain 26-12 in the Bowl Semifinal.
Spain outscored South Africa by two tries to one in the first half for a 12-7 lead at the break. But two tries by Springbok Women Sevens captain Zenay Jordaan to add to Veroeshka Grain’s second try of the match in the second half earned them the victory and a place in the Bowl Final against the hosts.
Grain again made her presence felt against the Netherlands and managed to cross the tryline for her efforts, which Jordaan converted, but with the home team boasting three first-half tries, South Africa had a big challenge ahead in the second half to create an upset.
The Bok Women Sevens tightened up their defence and tried hard to stamp their authority on attack, but the hosts proved too good and managed to finish the match with five tries and a 29-7 victory.
New Zealand, meanwhile, won the Cup Final after defeating Australia 29-12, while the US beat Russia 27-12 to win the Plate Final.
The Springbok Women Sevens’ next assignment will be the qualifiers for next year’s IRB Women’s Sevens World Series later in the year, but until then all the players will all be available for selection for the Springbok Women’s 15-a-side team that will travel to France for the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup from August 1 to 17.
Springbok Women Sevens day-two results, Amsterdam IRB Women’s Sevens World Series:
Spain 12 – 26 SA
Netherlands 29 – 7 SA
Related Posts
« GWK Griquas crowned Vodacom Cup champs for record fifth time New Zealand Rugby celebrates back to back Womens Sevens World Series titles »
